-
Point Reduction in Tennessee
Determine Your “Course” of Action
If eligible, you may have a traffic ticket dismissed by completing a court-approved Defensive Driving class.
This means:
- The ticket fine will be waived.
- No points will be assigned to your driving record.
You must notify the court of your enrollment decision. Depending on the court, notification may be entered on the citation or via a separate application. There is no guarantee the court will honor your request. The presiding judge will weigh the nature of the violation and past driving record when determining your eligibility.
NOTE: This option is not available to commercial drivers.
Complete a TN Driving Safety Course
The Defensive Driving program must be approved by the state. Choose between a traditional classroom program or an online course.
Depending on county, classes run from four to eight hours.
Submit Requirements to the Court
Some programs may directly submit your course completion certificate to the court. Others will require you to deliver it.
Don't delay if you're responsible. Your traffic ticket will not be dismissed until the court receives the completion certificate.
Keeping a copy for your records is strongly recommended.
Check Your Tennessee Driving Record
Check your driving record after completing the Defensive Driving class. Verify the ticket was dismissed. Contact the Department of Safety (DOS) if you recognize any errors.
Get an Auto Insurance Discount
Completing a Defensive Driving class may earn a rate discount. Check with your car insurance provider.
Other Topics in This Section
Recommended Articles
Next Prev-
Contesting an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket -
Traffic Ticket Myths: What’s Fact and What’s Fiction? -
Using Witnesses When Fighting a Traffic Ticket -
The Pros and Cons of Fighting a Traffic Ticket -
Traffic Ticket and DUI Penalties for Commercial Drivers -
Attending Traffic School for an Auto Insurance Discount -
Types of Traffic Schools -
Attending Traffic School for a Traffic Ticket -
Handling a Lost Parking Ticket -
Handling a Lost Out-of-State Traffic Ticket -
Federal Agency Stirring Around the Idea of Lowering BAC Limit to .05 Percent -
How to Do An Online Warrant Search
- I lost my citation? Am I doomed?
- What happens if I get ticketed with a Tennessee CDL?
- Why should I check my driving record after getting cited?
FAQs
- Contesting an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket
- Traffic Ticket Myths: What’s Fact and What’s Fiction?
- Using Witnesses When Fighting a Traffic Ticket
- The Pros and Cons of Fighting a Traffic Ticket
- Traffic Ticket and DUI Penalties for Commercial Drivers
- Attending Traffic School for an Auto Insurance Discount
Articles
Can't find something? Let us help you find it!
We put a lot of effort into making our content helpful & accurate. Please let us know if you see something that isn't clear or correct; we are here to ease any frustrations you may have while navigating DMV topics. We are not a government agency, please reach out to your local DMV, insurance agent, or respective professional for further assistance on specific situations.
